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The Human Genome Hall at BRIC-NIBMG is an exhibition, both static and interactive, of charts and models as well as audio-visual exhibits, to inspire and educate those interested in biological sciences in general and human genomics and genetics in particular. Its establishment was funded solely by the institute through the National Council of Science Museums, and it was inaugurated on November 11, 2018, by Professor Harold J. Varmus, who won the 1980 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine. Since its inception, the Human Genome Hall has been in need of major expansion and updating with new developments in this area. This permanent exhibition is housed within the institute and is maintained by the infrastructure of the institute including electricity, air conditioning and daily maintenance. We propose an updated and expanded Human Genome Hall in this phase which builds on the existing set ups and is incremental, thereby minimizing costs while maximizing impact. Further, we have observed that the reach and benefit of the expanded Human Genome Hall can be immensely facilitated if the logistics of visits by students from deep rural and remote areas can be arranged.

The practice of science occurs in small incremental steps where new ideas and innovations are added each day. The genome hall at its inception was a state-of-the-art facility to exhibit the deep ramifications of genetics and genomics on human health and evolution. The field of genomics is changing at a fast pace and there have been several significant advancements since the genome hall exhibit has been started. We need to integrate those information to our exhibit to make it more informative and updated to our visitors, most of whom are students. Moreover, the genome hall boasts modern computers and equipment which are used to display interactive videos, movies and games to engage students and visitors of all ages with the diverse aspects of the human genome. The standing cost of maintenance of such advanced equipment is considerable. Besides investing in new exhibits, one of the main goals is to use this grant for repair and sustenance of the existing exhibits, which is extremely vital given the impact the genome hall has on visitors.
 

New Project

1. Establishment of new exhibits – There are several new developments in the field of genomics since the exhibit has been established (2017-2018). We got to know in much detail how early life experiences can regulate our genes without changing our gene sequence (epigenetics). Microbes living in our body, e.g., in gut can interact with our brain and can affect brain disorders like depression (role of microbiome). We want to expand our existing exhibits on these two topics to include the new discoveries in these areas. The Covid-19 pandemic has widened our knowledge on infectious disease and human genetic variation which needs to be incorporated.

Moreover, BRIC-NIBMG has played an important role in fighting the pandemic, which also needs to be highlighted.

2. Repair of existing exhibits – Maintenance of the existing exhibits has to be done in an efficient way to keep the genome hall running. We would like to replace the individual UPS in the genome hall by a central one which would be connected to the main line.

3. Arrangement of visits – We would like to include visits (one per month) by high school and college students from deep rural and remote areas identified by an appropriate committee set up for this purpose.
 

1. Educational Enhancement: The Genome Hall will transform textbook-based learning into an interactive experience, making complex genomic concepts more engaging. It will excite students across disciplines and foster interdisciplinary thinking, encouraging a deeper understanding of genomics.

2. Support for Rural Education: With limited access to modern scientific developments, rural students will benefit from visits that expose them to cutting-edge research. This initiative will empower them with knowledge, inspiring them to become advocates for scientific awareness in their communities.

3. Public Awareness: By presenting genomic medicine in a simplified manner, the project will make complex ideas accessible to the general public. It will also help counter misinformation, ensuring a wellinformed society that can better engage with advancements in biomedicine.

Self-Implemented